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Abstract:

Methods and apparatuses for a distributed promotional coupon system for
use within a casino which has cash-less gaming machines involving a
plurality of game installed cash-out vouchers printers networked to a
central server. The system can provide promotions to all patrons of a
casino, either through player tracking or anonymously. The system provide
a means for the creation and issuance of promotional coupons as well as
the tracking of the redemption of such coupons, real-time monitoring of a
gaming printer's activities, connecting to other existing systems in a
casino, such as an accounting system or point-of-sale system.
Additionally, such a system may use existing equipment such as a gaming
printer to produce such coupons, however, only after the existing
equipment produces a cash-out voucher.

Claims:

1. A promotional coupon system, comprising:a central data processing unit;
anda plurality of game machines, each game machine comprising a Game
installed Voucher Printer (GVP), each GVP comprising:a primary
communication port coupled to a controller of the game machine into which
the GVP is installed;a second auxiliary port coupled to the central data
processing unit; anda third auxiliary port, wherein the GVPs receives
signaling for cash-out vouchers through the primary communications port,
signaling for promotional coupons through the second auxiliary port, and
signaling for real-time printer activity monitoring through the third
auxiliary port.

2. The promotional coupon system of claim 1, wherein a GVP is coupled to a
multiplex input channel or port wherein the port processes signaling
related to promotional coupons and real-time monitoring of printer
activities.

3. The promotional coupon system of claim 1, wherein, a GVP is coupled to
dedicated input channels or ports, wherein a first port processes
signaling related to vouchers, a second port processes signaling related
to promotional coupons, and a third port processes signaling related to
real-time monitoring of printer activities.

4. The promotional coupon system of claim 1, wherein a GVP is coupled to a
combination of multiplex and dedicated input channels or ports, wherein a
first dedicated port processes signaling related to vouchers, a second
port processes signaling related to promotional coupons, and a third port
processes signaling related to the real-time monitoring of printer
activities, wherein the second and third ports may be a multiplexer port.

5. The promotional coupon system of claim 1, wherein a GVP using an
auxiliary port and interface plugs into a game machine where the GVP may
receive and transmit real-time activity data to the central data
processing unit, game, or other host system.

6. The promotional coupon system of claim 1, wherein the central data
processing system further comprises means to poll a game machine or GVP
for information, the information including trigger metrics.

7. The promotional coupon system of claim 1, wherein a GVP receiving and
responding to signaling from the central data processing unit, the
signaling is a trigger which causes the GVP to process a request from the
central data processing unit.

8. The promotional coupon system of claim 1, wherein the central
processing unit further comprises means for real-time monitoring of
printer activities wherein the central processing unit signals a GVP for
the GVP's printer activities, the GVP responds to the signaling.

9. The promotional coupon system of claim 8, wherein the printer
activities requested from the central processing unit and reported by a
GVP include promotional coupon activity performed by the GVP.

10. The promotional coupon system of claim 9, wherein the promotional
coupon activity is selected from the list including: coupon trigger
metrics, coupon issuance control parameter, number of promotional coupons
printed and number of times a template was used to produce a promotional
coupon.

11. The promotional coupon system of claim 8, wherein the printer
activities requested from the central processing unit and reported by the
GVP include voucher activity performed by the GVP.

12. The promotional coupon system of claim 11, wherein the voucher
activity is selected from the group including: a cash-out request by a
player, number of vouchers printed and number of times a template was
used to produce a voucher.

14. The promotional coupon system of claim 1, wherein the real-time
printer activities reported by a GVP coupled to the central data
processing are selected from the group including date/time stamp and GVP
unique ID.

15. The promotional coupon system of claim 1, the central data processing
unit further comprising means for sending template data to a GVP on the
basis of a template date/time stamp received from the GVP.

16. The promotional coupon system of claim 1, the central data processing
unit further comprising means for transmitting to a GVP unsolicited data.

17. The promotional coupon system of claim 16, wherein the unsolicited
data is selected from the group including: a coupon template to use, a
new template definition, static coupon data and variable coupon data.

18. The promotional coupon system of claim 16, wherein the unsolicited
data is a Player Session Packet ("PSP") including player game activity.

19. The promotional coupon system of claim 18, wherein the PSP includes
data selected from the group including: how much a player bet on a
particular game, amount won, amount lost, amount of win, amount of money
deposited into a game machine and a player cash out.

20. The promotional coupon system of claim 18, the GVP further comprising
means for processing the PSP to determine if a coupon trigger was met in
order to generate a promotional coupon.

21. The promotional coupon system of claim 18, the PSP includes player
identification information from a player tracking system.

22. The promotional coupon system of claim 1, wherein the central data
processing unit further comprises a coupon trigger database including
play metrics that cause the central data processing unit to request a GVP
to produce a promotional coupon when satisfied.

23. The promotional coupon system of claim 1, wherein the play metrics are
selected from the group including: anytime a cash-out voucher is printed,
a cash-out voucher for greater than, equal to, or less than a specified
amount of money is printed, an amount of money wagered over a particular
time period, an amount of money won over a particular time period, an
amount of money lost over a particular time period, a duration of play on
the game, anytime a player adds money or credits to the game in an amount
greater than, equal to, or less than a specified amount, a time of day
when the game is played or cashed-out, a day when a game is played or
cashed-out, a date when a game is played or cashed-out, an average
percentage of the maximum wagering on the game which the player's
activity represents, a random percentage change that a coupon will be
issued when a player cashes out, participation in a frequent player club,
a player's birthday, and a classification of the player is applied to
modify any of the foregoing metrics.

24. The promotional coupon system of claim 1, wherein a GVP further
includes means for:receiving from the central data processing unit Coupon
Trigger Metrics;analyzing game activity passed to the GVP by the central
data processing unit against the Coupon Trigger Metrics; andproducing a
promotional coupon when the metrics are satisfied.

25. The promotional coupon system of claim 1, wherein the central data
processing unit further comprises a control parameter database used to
select a type and quantity of promotional coupons to create and issue
related to coupon trigger metrics, the control parameters operating
separately or in combination with each coupon, the control parameters
residing in and is utilized by the central data processing unit or a GVP
or both.

26. The promotional coupon system of claim 25, wherein the control
parameters are selected from the group including: total quantity of a
coupon is issued before the coupon is retired, a frequency of issuance of
a coupon; one coupon issued every time a specified number of trigger
events occurs, a frequency of issuance of a coupon based on a random
chance of number of trigger events, an alternative coupon should a
particular coupon fail to print for lack of satisfying all of the
particular coupon's trigger metrics or the particular coupon's specified
set of control parameters.

27. The promotional coupon system of claim 1, wherein a GVP further
comprises means for using coupon trigger metrics and coupon issuance
control parameters to produce a promotional coupon if metrics and
parameters are satisfied.

28. The promotional coupon system of claim 1, wherein the central data
processing unit further comprises means for using promotional coupon data
to send promotional coupon information to a GVP, the promotional coupon
information is static data or variable data.

29. The promotional coupon system of claim 28, wherein the static data is
selected from the group including: fixed portions of printed indicia of
promotional coupons used by a GVP in the creation of a promotional
coupon, coupon trigger metrics, coupon issuance control parameters, a
unique promotional campaign identifier, an authorization code.

30. The promotional coupon system of claim 29, wherein the GVP further
comprises means for storing the static data stored in a memory coupled to
the GVP.

31. The promotional coupon system of claim 28, wherein the variable data
is selected from the group including: portions of printed indicia of
promotional coupons, a unique promotional campaign identifier, an
authorization code.

32. The promotional coupon system of claim 28, the GVP further comprising
means for matching by the GVP to variable data stored in the GVP's memory
and combining portions of static and variable data to print a promotional
coupon.

33. The promotional coupon system of claim 1, wherein a GVP further
comprises means for transmitting an authorization code to a central data
processing unit, wherein the authorization code is verified within the
central data processing unit track promotional coupon redemption or
retire a promotional coupon from issuance.

34. The promotional coupon system of claim 1, wherein a GVP is further
coupled to a cash-out voucher system coupled to the central data
processing unit, the GVP further comprising means to utilize arbitration
in the printing of vouchers and promotional coupons, wherein the GVP
generates vouchers without delay and prior to any coupon is generated.

35. The promotional coupon system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of
GVPs are coupled to the central data processing unit by a promotional
network dedicated to the central data processing unit to GVP connection
and each GVP is individually signaled by the central data processing unit
by means of a unique address.

36. The promotional coupon system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of
GVP's are coupled to the central data processing unit by a promotional
network dedicated to the central data processing unit to GVP connection,
each GVP is a sub-addressable device with the gaming machine available to
the central data processing unit.

37. The promotional coupon system of claim 1, wherein the central data
processing unit is coupled to a GVP on a dedicated central data
processing unit-to-GVP network, creating a logical link between the GVP's
unique network address and the gaming machine into which the GVP is
installed for the purposes of correlating the GVP's gaming machine
identifier, the link created by the GVP extracting the gaming machine
number from voucher data signaling from the gaming machine controller on
its primary communication port, the GVP signaling the central data
processing unit with both the GVP's unique address and the extracted
gaming machine number, and the central data processing unit storing the
link in a memory.

38. The promotional coupon system of claim 1, wherein the central data
processing unit, is coupled to the GVP on a dedicated central data
processing unit to GVP network, creating a logical link between the GVP's
unique network address and the gaming machine into which the GVP is
installed for the purposes of correlating the GVP's gaming machine
identifier, the link created by the GVP reading operator configurable
gaming machine identifier address switches coupled to the GVP's
processor, the GVP signaling the central data processing unit with both
the GVP's unique address and the configured gaming machine identifier
address, and the central data processing unit stores the link in a
memory.

39. The promotional coupon system of claim 1, wherein the central data
processing unit, is coupled to the GVP on a dedicated central data
processing unit to GVP network, creating a logical link between the GVP's
unique network address and the gaming machine into which the GVP is
installed for the purposes of correlating the GVP's gaming machine
identifier, the link created by the GVP is signaled as to the GVP's
gaming machine identifier address by an operator controlled external
device temporarily coupled to the GVP at the time the GVP is installed in
a gaming machine, the GVP signaling the central data processing unit with
both the GVP's unique address and the operator controlled external device
supplied gaming machine address, and the central data processing unit
storing the link in a memory.

40. The promotional coupon system of claim 1, wherein the GVP is
temporarily coupled to an operator controlled external device at the time
the GVP is installed in a gaming machine, the GVP receiving signaling as
to the gaming machine identifier address of the gaming machine into which
it is installed, and the GVP stores the gaming machine identifier address
into a memory.

41. The promotional coupon system of claim 1, wherein the GVP signals the
central data processing unit as to a gaming machine identifier address in
which the GVP is installed upon boot-up or when requested by the central
data processing unit.

42. The promotional coupon system of claim 1, wherein the GVP further
comprises means for, after boot-up, determining if a previously recorded
gaming machine identifier exists in a memory of the GVP, the identifier
serving the purpose of signaling the GVP into which gaming machine the
GVP is installed, and for signaling the central data processing unit with
the gaming machine identifier.

43. The promotional coupon system of claim 1, wherein a GVP's unique
network address is configured by operator configurable address switches
coupled to the GVP.

44. The promotional coupon system of claim 1, wherein a GVP's unique
network address is assigned by the central data processing unit and the
GVP stores the GVP's address in memory for permanent use until a new
address is assigned by the central data processing unit.

45. The promotional coupon system of claim 1, wherein the GVP stores an
identification of the gaming machine into which the GVP is installed into
a memory coupled to the GVP.

46. The promotional coupon system of claim 1, wherein a GVP's unique
network address is a fixed value as a function of the GVP's hardware.

47. The promotional coupon system of claim 1, wherein a GVP further
comprises means for causing the GVP, after boot-up, to first receive
cash-out voucher signaling from the gaming machine over the GVP's primary
port, and then verifying that the gaming machine identifier is the same
as a gaming machine identifier previously recorded in the GVP's memory as
to which game the GVP is installed.

48. The promotional coupon system of claim 1, wherein the central data
processing unit broadcasts a time and date on a periodic basis to a GVP
to which the central data processing unit is coupled, the GVP using the
time and date data to synchronize the GVP's own internal clock.

49. The promotional coupon system of claim 1, wherein a GVP upon receiving
cash-out voucher signaling from the gaming machine over its primary port,
extracts a time and date from the cash-out voucher signaling data and
uses the time and date information to synchronize an internal clock.

50. The promotional coupon system of claim 1, wherein the central data
processing unit further comprises means for receiving signaling from the
GVP as to the completion or failure of a promotional coupon print job and
for creating a record in a memory as to the issuance of the promotional
coupon.

51. The promotional coupon system of claim 1, wherein the central data
processing unit further includes means for:requesting the GVP to send
status as to an identifier of a promotional campaign static data file
residing in a memory of the GVP;determining if the campaign identifier in
the GVP is a version matching an identifier of a promotional campaign
that the central data processing unit is currently operating; andsending
new promotional campaign static data to the GVP which matches the
promotional campaign which the central data processing unit is operating.

52. The promotional coupon system of claim 1, wherein communications
between the central data processing unit and GVP a encrypted by a
methodology known to the central data processing unit and GVP with the
central data processing unit and GVP processing incoming and outgoing
communications according to the encryption method.

53. The promotional coupon system of claim 1, wherein the central data
processing unit includes a record of promotional coupons issued by the
GVPs in a memory and the central data processing unit is coupled to a
point-of-sale system, the central data processing unit receives signaling
from the point-of-sale system when a coupon is redeemed as to the
validation sequence of the coupon, the central data processing unit
checks the validity of the coupon against the central data processing
unit records, the central data processing unit signals the point-of-sale
system as to the validity of the coupon, and the central data processing
unit recording the redemption of the coupon in a memory.

54. The promotional coupon system of claim 1, wherein the central data
processing unit is coupled to an accounting system, and the central data
processing unit transmitting data related to outstanding and redeemed
promotional coupons from a database in memory.

55. The promotional coupon system of claim 1, wherein the central data
processing unit stores data related to outstanding and redeemed
promotional coupons from a database in memory.

56. The promotional coupon system of claim 1, wherein the GVP receives
signaling from the central data processing unit on the GVP's secondary
auxiliary port to print a promotional coupon, the GVP holds received
promotional coupon data in a memory, the GVP receives signaling from the
gaming machine to which the GVP is coupled on the GVP's primary port to
print a cash-out voucher, the GVP prints the cash-out voucher, and when
successfully completed, prints the promotional coupon from the
promotional coupon data held in memory.

57. The promotional coupon system of claim 1, wherein the GVP receives
signaling from the central data processing unit on the CVP's third
auxiliary port for real-time monitoring of printer activities.

58. The promotional coupon system of claim 1, wherein the GVP receives
signaling from the central data processing unit related to promotional
coupons and real-time monitoring of printer activities on a multiplex
port.

59. The promotional coupon system of claim 1, wherein the central data
processing unit is a player tracking system and associated network.

60. The promotional coupon system of claim 1, wherein the central data
processing unit is a player tracking system and its associated network
receiving gaming machine activity data based on the central data
processing unit's monitoring of a gaming machine, the central data
processing unit utilizing a link table in memory to determine a unique
network address of a GVP installed in the gaming machine, and the central
data processing unit sends information extracted from the activity data
to the GVP installed in the gaming machine.

61. The promotional coupon system of claim 1, wherein the central data
processing unit is a player tracking system and associated network
receiving gaming machine activity data based on the central data
processing unit's monitoring of a gaming machine, the central data
processing unit determining if a promotional award has been triggered by
player activity, the central data processing unit determining the type of
award from a database in memory, the central data processing unit
creating a validation identifier for the promotional coupon, the central
data processing unit signaling the GVP with data including the validation
identifier and authorization to print the promotional coupon, the GVP
printing the promotional coupon, and the GVP signaling the central data
processing unit as to the completion of failure of the promotional coupon
printing job.

Description:

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001]The present application claims the benefit us U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/761,575 filed Jan. 23, 2006, the contents of which are
incorporated by reference as if stated in full herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002]This invention relates generally to printers and printer connected
hardware used in cash-less slot machines and gaming, and more
specifically to hardware and software operating within this equipment
performing promotional ticket printing, promotional data basing and
printer and printer connected hardware based promotional ticket
triggering.

[0003]The gaming machine manufacturing industry provides a variety of
gaming machines for the amusement of gambling players. An exemplary
gaming machine is a slot machine. A slot machine is an electro-mechanical
game wherein chance or the skill of a player determines the outcome of
the game. Slot machines are usually found in casinos or other more
informal gaming establishments.

[0004]The gaming machine manufacturers have provided cash-less enabled
games to the market for the last five year, and there now exists a broad
population of such games in the casino industry. Cash-less enabled games
are so named due to the fact that they can conduct their player's
financial exchange with a mixture of traditional paper and coin currency
and vouchers redeemable for cash or game credits.

[0005]Two pieces of necessary equipment for a cash-less enabled game is a
printer to produce the vouchers, and a bill acceptor that supports
automatic reading of the vouchers. In a cash-less enabled gaming system,
when a player cashes out, the game is signaled and depending on the size
of the pay out, it can either present coins in the tradition method of a
slot machine, or it can cause the printers which are installed in such
machines to produce a voucher containing the value of the pay out. The
voucher may then either be redeemed for cash at the cashier's cage for
currency, or it may be inserted into one of the casino's games' bill
acceptor, at which point the network and server to which the game is
connected will recognize the voucher as valid, redeem it and place the
appropriate amount of playing credits on the game.

[0006]Over the last five years, cash-less enabled games have found an
increasing acceptance and use in the gaming industry with both the
players, who enjoy the speed of play and ease of transporting their
winnings around the casino, and the casinos who have realized significant
labor savings in the form of reduced coin hopper reloads in the games,
and an increase in revenue due to speed of play. The broad installation
base of cash-less enabled games guarantees a wide installed base of
networked games and their installed printers which may be used to print
coupons and promotions for the captive player audiences.

[0007]Currently, in typical casino operations, the games are networked to
a main server which monitors various metrics of activity on the games for
regulatory, accounting and promotional activities. The server related to
promotions for player club cards is referred to as the Player Tracking
Sever. Games share real-time play metrics with the Player Tracking Server
in order to support frequent player incentives.

[0008]One of the problems that exist with the current situation is how to
offer promotions to patrons who are not part of the player tracking
system, either by the patron's choice for anonymity or a casino's lack of
use of a player tracking system.

[0009]Therefore, one solution is to provide a system which can provide
promotions to all patrons of a casino. Further, it would be advantageous
to provide a means for the creation and issuance of promotional coupons
as well as the tracking of the redemption of such coupons; to provide
real-time monitoring of a gaming printer's activities; for connecting to
other existing systems in a casino, such as an accounting system or
point-of-sale system. Additionally, such a system may use existing
equipment such as a gaming printer to produce such coupons, however, only
after the existing equipment produces a cash-out voucher.

[0010]The methods and apparatus of the present invention provide the
foregoing and other advantages.

DEFINITIONS

[0011]For the purposes of this document the following definitions apply:

[0012]"PCS"--Acronym for Promotional Coupon System. This is the system
which is responsible for creating and managing promotional coupons in the
gaming environment.

[0013]"GVP"--Acronym for Game Installed Voucher Printer. This is the
printer attached to a slot machine, gaming machine, gaming table, or
casino installed kiosk whose primary responsibility is the printing of
cash-out vouchers.

[0015]"Cash-out Voucher System"--The system installed in a casino used to
create cash-out voucher records and issue data packages to gaming
machines which will cause it to print a cash-out voucher. A Cash-out
Voucher System is a rudimentary part of the existing casino industry
architecture for casinos supporting cashless gaming.

[0016]"Point-of-sale system"--The system installed in a casino at various
locations where business in the casino is transacted, such as a retail
shop, restaurant, ticket sales counter, front desk, etc.

[0017]"Coupon Trigger Metrics"--As defined in the body of the document.

[0018]"Coupon Issuance Control Parameters"--As defined in the body of the
document.

[0019]"PSP"--Acronym for Player Session Packet. As defined in the body of
the document.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0020]In one aspect of the invention, a promotional coupon system includes
a central data processing unit such as a network server ("PCS"), a
plurality of game machines, each game machine including a Game Installed
Voucher Printer ("GVP"), each GVP coupled through a primary communication
port to the controller of the game machine into which it is installed,
each GVP further coupled to central data processing unit through an
second auxiliary port, each GVP further coupled to a third auxiliary
port, the GVP receiving signaling for cash-out vouchers through the
primary communications port, signaling for promotional coupons through
the second auxiliary port, and signaling for real-time printer activity
monitoring through the third auxiliary port.

[0021]In another aspect of the invention, a GVP is coupled to a multiplex
input channel or port wherein the port processes signaling related to
promotional coupons and the real-time monitoring of the printer
activities.

[0022]In another aspect of the invention, a GVP is coupled to dedicated
input channels or ports wherein one port processes signaling related to
vouchers, a second port processes signaling related to promotional
coupons, and a third port processes signaling related to the real-time
monitoring of printer activities.

[0023]In another aspect of the invention, a GVP is coupled to a
combination of multiplex and one or a plurality of dedicated input
channels or ports wherein one dedicated port processes signaling related
to vouchers, a second port processes signaling related to promotional
coupons, and a third port processes signaling related to the real-time
monitoring of printer activities, wherein the second and third ports may
be a multiplexer port.

[0024]In another aspect of the invention, a GVP using an auxiliary port
and interface plugs into a game machine where the printer may receive and
transmit real-time activity data to a PCS, gaming machine, or other host
system.

[0025]In another aspect of the invention, a PCS polls a game machine or
GVP for information, the information may include trigger metrics as
disclosed below.

[0026]In another aspect of the invention, a GVP receives and responds to
signaling from a host system such as a PCS, the signaling is a trigger
which causes the GVP to process a request from the host system.

[0027]In another aspect of the invention, a PCS monitors in real-time the
printer activities wherein the PCS signals one or multiple GVPs for the
printer's activities, and the GVP responds to the signaling.

[0028]In another aspect of the invention, the printer activities requested
from the PCS and reported by a GVP may include any promotional coupon
activity performed by the GVP including any "Coupon Trigger Metrics", any
"Coupon Issuance Control Parameter" both of which are disclosed below,
number of promotional coupons printed, number of times a template was
used to produce a promotional coupon, among others.

[0029]In another aspect of the invention, the printer activities requested
from the PCS and reported by a GVP may include any voucher activity
performed by the GVP including a cash-out request by a player, number of
vouchers printed, and number of times a template was used to produce a
voucher, among others.

[0030]In another aspect of the invention, the printer activities requested
from the PCS and reported by a GVP may include other printer activity
such as any printing error, if printer is busy, if paper out, low, or
jammed, temperature or voltage condition, data error, memory error,
printer online or offline, printer in sleep mode, printer door open, any
power reset, historical data on the print head, print job failed, or
print job completed, among others,

[0031]In another aspect of the invention, the real-time printer activities
reported by a GVP coupled to a PCS may include a date/time stamp, GVP
unique ID, among others.

[0032]In another aspect of the invention, data collected during the
real-time monitoring of printer activity of one or multiple GVPs and
reported to a PCS by a GVP may be used in combination with other data for
reporting purposes whereby the PCS may, for example, use a date/time
stamp associated with template data in combination with procedures to
determine if the template in a GVP matches template data in the PCS. If
the template data does not match, the PCS sending the appropriate
template data to the GVP.

[0033]In another aspect of the invention, the PCS transmits to one or a
plurality of GVPs unsolicited data, the unsolicited data may include data
related to promotional coupons such as template to use, a new template
definition, and any static or variable data to use in producing coupons
(disclosed below), among others.

[0034]In another aspect of the invention, the PCS transmits to one or a
plurality of GVPs unsolicited data, the unsolicited data may include
player game activity as a Player Session Packet ("PSP"), wherein the PSP
may contain data that may indicate how much a player bet on a particular
game, amount won or lost, amount of win, amount of money deposited into a
game machine, if a player is cashing out, among others, the PSP may
include trigger metrics and/or control parameters as disclosed below.

[0035]In another aspect of the invention, a GVP receives from the PCS
unsolicited data, the unsolicited data may include that previously
disclosed such as a PSP, the GVP in turn processing the PSP to determine
if a coupon trigger was met in order to generate a promotional coupon.

[0036]In another aspect of the invention, the PSP may or may not include
player identification information from a player tracking system.

[0037]In another aspect of the invention, the PCS includes a coupon
trigger database which may contain various play metrics that may cause
the PCS to request a GVP to produce a promotional coupon when satisfied,
the metrics including the following among others and herein referred to
as "Coupon Trigger Metrics": [0038](a) anytime a cash-out voucher is
printed; [0039](b) a cash-out voucher for greater than, equal to, or less
than a specified amount of money is printed; [0040](c) the amount of
money wagered over a particular time period; [0041](d) the amount of
money won over a particular time period; [0042](e) the amount of money
lost over a particular time period; [0043](f) the duration of play on the
game; [0044](g) anytime a player adds money or credits to a game in an
amount greater than, equal to, or less than a specified amount; [0045](h)
the time when the game is played or cashed-out; [0046](i) the day when a
game is played or cashed-out; [0047](j) the date when a game is played or
cashed-out; [0048](k) the average percentage of the maximum wagering on
the game which the player's activity represents; [0049](l) a random
percentage change that a coupon will be issued when a player cashes out;
[0050](m) for participating frequent player club members, a player's
birthday; [0051](n) for participating frequent player club members, the
classification of the player is applied to modify any of the foregoing
metrics.

[0052]In another aspect of the invention, a GVP receives from the PCS the
Coupon Trigger Metrics, the GVP analyzes game activity passed to it by
the PCS against the Coupon Trigger Metrics, and the GVP produces a
promotional coupon when the metrics are satisfied.

[0053]In another aspect of the invention, a PCS includes a control
parameters database which may select the type and quantity of promotional
coupons to create and issue related to any of the Coupon Trigger Metrics,
the control parameters operate separately or in combination with each
coupon, the control parameters reside in and are utilized in procedures
either on the PCS or a GVP or combination thereof, the control parameters
including the following among others and herein referred to as "Coupon
Issuance Control Parameters": [0054](a) the total quantity of a coupon
is issued before it is retired; [0055](b) the frequency of issuance of a
coupon, one issued every time a specified number of trigger events
occurs; [0056](c) the frequency of issuance of a coupon based on a random
chance of one in every so many trigger events; [0057](d) an alternative
coupon should a particular coupon fail to print for lack of satisfying
all of its Coupon Trigger Metrics and/or its specified set of control
parameters.

[0058]In another aspect of the invention, a GVP uses procedures, Coupon
Trigger Metrics, and Coupon Issuance Control Parameters to produce a
promotional coupon if metrics and parameters are satisfied.

[0059]In another aspect of the invention, a PCS uses promotional coupon
data and procedures including the ways and means to send promotional
coupon information to one or more coupled GVPs, the information is static
data or variable data. The static data may contain various fixed portions
of the printed indicia of promotional coupons which a GVP may use in the
future creation of a promotional coupon, the static data may include one
or a plurality of Coupon Trigger Metrics, one or a plurality of Coupon
Issuance Control Parameters, a unique promotional campaign identifier, an
authorization code, among others, the static data stored in the memory
coupled to a GVP. The variable data may contain portions of printed
indicia of promotional coupons or a unique promotional campaign
identifier, an authorization code, among others, the variable data
matched by a GVP to any variable data stored in the GVP's memory, the GVP
combining portions of static and variable data to print a promotional
coupon.

[0060]In another aspect of the invention, a GVP transmits an authorization
code to a PCS, wherein the authorization code may be verified within the
PCS, for example, to track promotional coupon redemption or retire a
promotional coupon from issuance.

[0061]In another aspect of the invention, a GVP includes the ways and
means to utilize arbitration in the printing of vouchers and promotional
coupons, the GVP coupled to a PCS and a cash-out voucher system, both
systems coupled to each other, wherein the GVP uses procedures contained
in its memory and data or signaling from both or either system generates
vouchers without delay and prior to any coupon is generated.

[0062]In another aspect of the invention, the plurality of GVPs are
coupled to the PCS by a promotional network dedicated to the PCS-GVP
connection, each GVP individually signaled by the PCS by means of a
unique address.

[0063]In another aspect of the invention, the plurality of GVP's are
coupled to the PCS by a promotional network dedicated to the PCS-GVP
connection, each GVP is a sub-addressable device with the gaming machine
available to the PCS.

[0064]In another aspect of the invention, the PCS, is coupled to the GVP
on a dedicated PCS-GVP network, creating a logical link between the GVP's
unique network address and the gaming machine into which the GVP is
installed for the purposes of correlating the GVP's gaming machine
identifier, the link created by the GVP extracting the gaming machine
number from voucher data signaling from the gaming machine controller on
its primary communication port, the GVP signaling the PCS with both its
unique address and the extracted gaming machine number, and the PCS
storing the link in its memory.

[0065]In another aspect of the invention, the PCS is coupled to the GVP on
a dedicated PCS-GVP network, creating a logical link between the GVP's
unique network address and the gaming machine into which the GVP is
installed for the purposes of correlating the GVP's gaming machine
identifier, the link created by the GVP reading operator configurable
gaming machine identifier address switches coupled to the GVP's
processor, the GVP signaling the PCS with both its unique address and the
configured gaming machine identifier address, and the PCS storing the
link in its memory.

[0066]In another aspect of the invention, the PCS, is coupled to the GVP
on a dedicated PCS-GVP network, creating a logical link between the GVP's
unique network address and the gaming machine into which the GVP is
installed for the purposes of correlating the GVP's gaming machine
identifier, the link created by the GVP is signaled as to its gaming
machine identifier address by an operator controlled external device
temporarily coupled to the GVP at the time the GVP is installed in a
gaming machine, the GVP signaling the PCS with both its unique address
and the operator controlled external device supplied gaming machine
address, and the PCS storing the link in its memory.

[0067]In another aspect of the invention, the GVP is temporarily coupled
to an operator controlled external device at the time the GVP is
installed in a gaming machine, the GVP receiving signaling as to the
gaming machine identifier address of the gaming machine into which it is
installed, and the GVP storing the gaming machine identifier address into
memory coupled to its processor.

[0068]In another aspect of the invention, the GVP signals the PCS as to
the gaming machine identifier address in which it is installed upon
boot-up or when requested by the PCs.

[0069]In another aspect of the invention, the GVP includes a procedure
which, after boot-up, determines if a previously recorded gaming machine
identifier exists in its memory, the identifier serving the purpose of
signaling the GVP into which gaming machine it is installed, the
procedure then signaling the PCS with the identifier.

[0070]In another aspect of the invention, the GVP's unique network address
is configured by operator configurable address switches coupled to the
GVP's processor.

[0071]In another aspect of the invention, the GVP's unique network address
is assigned by the PCS, the GVP storing its address in memory for
permanent use until a new address is assigned by the PCS.

[0072]In another aspect of the invention, the GVP stores the
identification of the gaming machine identification into which it is
installed into memory coupled to the GVP's processor.

[0073]In another aspect of the invention, the GVP's unique network address
is a fixed value as a function of the GVP's hardware.

[0074]In another aspect of the invention, the GVP includes a procedure
which causes the GVP, after boot-up, to first receive cash-out voucher
signaling from the gaming machine over its primary port, and the GVP then
verifying that the gaming machine identifier is the same as the gaming
machine identifier previously recorded in its memory as to which gaming
machine the GVP is installed.

[0075]In another aspect of the invention, the PCS broadcasts the time and
date on a periodic basis to a GVP to which it is coupled, and the GVP
uses the time and date data to synchronize its own internal clock.

[0076]In another aspect of the invention, the GVP upon receiving cash-out
voucher signaling from the gaming machine over its primary port, extracts
the time and date from the data and using the time and date information
to synchronize its internal clock.

[0077]In another aspect of the invention, the GVP receives player activity
data of the gaming machine in which it is installed from the PCS, the GVP
processes the data according to procedures (disclosed below) contained in
its memory, the GVP determines if a promotional award has been triggered
by the player activity and the type of the award, the GVP signaling the
PCS as to various metrics of the triggered promotional award, the PCS
processes the metrics of the promotional award, the PCS operates a
procedure to create a validation identifier for the promotional coupon,
the PCS signals the GVP with data including the validation identifier and
authorization to print the promotional coupon, the GVP prints the coupon,
and the GVP signals the PCS as to the completion or failure of its print
job.

[0078]In another aspect of the invention, the PCS having received the
signaling from the GVP as to the completion or failure of a promotional
award print job (disclosed above), and the PCS creating a record in its
memory as to the issuance of the promotional coupon.

[0079]In another aspect of the invention, the PCS requests the GVP to send
status as to the identifier of the promotional campaign static data file
(described above) which resides in the GVP's memory, the PCS determining
if the campaign identifier in the GVP is the version matches the
identifier of the promotional campaign that the PCS is currently
operating, and if not, the PCS sending new promotional campaign static
data to the GVP which matches the promotional campaign which the PCS is
operating.

[0080]In another aspect of the invention, the communications between the
PCS and GVP is encrypted by a methodology known to the PCS and GVP, and
the PCS and GVP processing incoming and outgoing communications according
to the encryption method.

[0081]In another aspect of the invention, the PCS containing a record of
promotional coupons issued by the GVPs in its memory, the PCS is coupled
to a point-of-sale system, the PCS receiving signaling from the
point-of-sale system when a coupon is redeemed as to the validation
sequence of the coupon, the PCS checking the validity of the coupon
against its records, the PCS signaling the point-of-sale system as to the
validity of the coupon, and the PCS recording the redemption of the
coupon in its memory.

[0082]In another aspect of the invention, the PCS is coupled to an
accounting system, and the PCS transmitting data related to outstanding
and redeemed promotional coupons from its database in memory.

[0083]In another aspect of the invention, the PCS storing data related to
outstanding and redeemed promotional coupons from its database in memory.

[0084]In another aspect of the invention, the GVP receiving signaling from
the PCS on its secondary auxiliary port to print a promotional coupon,
the GVP holding the coupon data in its memory, the GVP receiving
signaling from the gaming machine to which it is coupled on its primary
port to print a cash-out voucher, the GVP printing the cash-out voucher,
and when successfully completed, printing the coupon from the coupon data
held in its memory.

[0085]In another aspect of the invention, the GVP receiving signaling from
the PCS on its third auxiliary port for real-time monitoring of printer
activities.

[0086]In another aspect of the invention, the GVP receiving signaling from
the PCS related to promotional coupons and real-time monitoring of
printer activities on a multiplex port.

[0087]In another aspect of the invention, the PCS is a player tracking
system and its associated network.

[0088]In another aspect of the invention, the PCS is a player tracking
system and its associated network receiving gaming machine activity data
based on the PCS's monitoring of the gaming machine, the PCS utilizing
its link table in memory (disclosed above) to determine the unique
network address of the GVP installed in the gaming machine, and the PCS
sending information extracted from the activity data to the GVP installed
in the gaming machine.

[0089]In another aspect of the invention, the PCS is the player tracking
system and its associated network receiving gaming machine activity data
based on the PCS's monitoring of the gaming machine, the PCS processing
the data according to procedures contained in its memory, the PCS
determining if a promotional award has been triggered by the player
activity, the PCS determining the type of award from a database in its
memory, the PCS operating a procedure to create a validation identifier
for the promotional coupon, the PCS signaling the GVP with data including
the validation identifier and authorization to print the promotional
coupon, the GVP printing such coupon, and the GVP signaling the PCS as to
the completion of failure of its print job.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0090]These and other aspects, aspects, and advantages of the present
invention will become better understood with regard to the following
description and accompanying drawings where:

[0091]FIG. 1 is an illustration of an exemplary connection of the PCS, a
plurality of gaming machines, and a plurality of GVPs in accordance with
an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0092]FIG. 2 is an illustration of an automatic method by which the PCS
can pair a GVP's IP address to a gaming machine identifier in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0093]FIG. 3 is an illustration of the PCS connected to other systems
within a casino in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.

[0094]FIG. 4 is an illustration of the trigger matrix logic and procedures
with the GVP, the PCS, or portions shared between the two, depending on
where data processing of the PSP resides in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention.

[0095]FIG. 5 is an illustration of arbitration process of a GVP in
producing gaming vouchers and promotional coupons in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0096]FIG. 6 is an illustration depicting the real-time monitoring of
printer activities by the PCS in accordance with an exemplary embodiment
of the present invention.

[0097]FIG. 7 is an architecture diagram of a GVP in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0098]FIG. 8 is an architecture diagram of a PCS in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0099]FIG. 1 is an illustration of an exemplary connection of a PCS, a
plurality of gaming machines, such as gaming machines 102a, 102b and
102c, and a plurality of GVPs, such as GVPs 104a, 104b and 104c, in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The PCS
as shown in the diagram, is a server who's responsibility is to direct
the promotional activity of a GVP installed in a gaming machine. In an
exemplary implementation, each GVP has three ports or channels; a primary
port 106 connects the GVP to a controller 108 of the gaming machine in
which the GVP is installed for cash-out vouchers, a second auxiliary port
110 for connection to the PCS for promotional couponing, and a third
auxiliary port 112 for the real-time monitoring of printer activities.
Each GVP has a unique address by which the GVP can specifically be
selected. An Ethernet network would be an exemplary setup, where the
GVP's address is an IP address on the network. One of the fundamental
responsibilities of the GVP, considering that it has in essence two
masters, one is the gaming machine controller and the other is the PCS,
is arbitration of traffic on the two or more ports or channels as later
discussed in FIG. 5. The complexity of this is increased since the two
masters are operating asynchronously from each other.

[0100]Additionally, the PCS may be a player tracking system, distributed
over a plurality of gaming machines and a plurality of GVPs connected in
relation to each other. All the previous discussion applies, along with
additional information. In this embodiment, the player tracking system
receives information about player activity on a game to which it is
connected. As used herein, data packets containing player gaming machine
activity are referred to as Player Session Packets ("PSPs") 114, and an
example of the data would indicate that a player had bet so much on a
particular game, had won or lost the bet, the amount of a win, the amount
of money deposited in the machine, if a player was cashing out, and so
on. The PCS, as a player tracking system, would determine by using
procedures 120 and processing the packet which gaming machine the PSP
originated from, look up from an internal database 116 which GVP IP
address was related to that gaming machine, and forward the PSP to that
IP address, essentially sending it to the GVP. The GVP using procedures
would then process information from the PSP to determine if a coupon
trigger condition is met. If a condition was met, the GVP informs the PCS
of an award, requests a validation identifier or authorization 118 for
the coupon, and obtains permission from the PCS to print the coupon. If
approved, additional handshaking is conducted to ensure that the coupon
was successfully produced, and the PCS then logs the validation number or
authorization and the award type into the PCS's internal memory or
database for later reconciliation.

[0101]In another embodiment of the invention, the PCS performs the
analysis of the PSPs against a set of trigger conditions, and when a
condition is met, the PCS signals the GVP with a coupon and a validation
sequence for the coupon. Upon receipt of data from the PCS, the GVP
produces the requested coupon. In this embodiment, handshaking applicable
to the success/failure of the coupon print job is also conducted.

[0102]In another embodiment of the invention, a GVP uses a multiplexer
port or channel instead of two dedicated ports. In this variation,
signaling related to coupons and real-time printer activity monitoring is
processed using a multiplexer port.

[0103]In another embodiment of the invention, a GVP is coupled to a
multiplex input channel or port wherein the port processes signaling
related to promotional coupons and the real-time monitoring of the
printer activities.

[0104]In another embodiment of the invention, a GVP is coupled to
dedicated input channels or ports wherein one port processes signaling
related to vouchers, a second port processes signaling related to
promotional coupons, and a third port processes signaling related to the
real-time monitoring of printer activities.

[0105]In another embodiment of the invention, a GVP is coupled to a
combination of multiplex and one or a plurality of dedicated input
channels or ports wherein one dedicated port processes signaling related
to vouchers, a second port processes signaling related to promotional
coupons, and a third port processes signaling related to the real-time
monitoring of printer activities, wherein the second and third ports may
be a multiplexer port.

[0106]In another embodiment of the invention, a GVP using an auxiliary
port and interface plugs into a game machine where the printer may
receive and transmit real-time activity data to a PCS, gaming machine, or
other host system.

[0107]In another embodiment of the invention, a PCS polls a game machine
or GVP for information, the information may include trigger metrics as
disclosed below.

[0108]In another embodiment of the invention, a GVP receives and responds
to signaling from a host system such as a PCS, the signaling is a trigger
which causes the GVP to process a request from the host system.

[0109]In another embodiment of the invention, a PCS monitors in real-time
the printer activities wherein the PCS signals one or multiple GVPs for
the printer's activities, and the GVP responds to the signaling.

[0110]In another embodiment of the invention, the printer activities
requested from the PCS and reported by a GVP may include any promotional
coupon activity performed by the GVP including any "Coupon Trigger
Metrics", any "Coupon Issuance Control Parameter" both of which are
disclosed below, number of promotional coupons printed, number of times a
template was used to produce a promotional coupon, among others.

[0111]In another embodiment of the invention, the printer activities
requested from the PCS and reported by a GVP may include any voucher
activity performed by the GVP including a cash-out request by a player,
number of vouchers printed, and number of times a template was used to
produce a voucher, among others.

[0112]In another embodiment of the invention, the printer activities
requested from the PCS and reported by a GVP may include other printer
activity such as any printing error, if printer is busy, if paper out,
low, or jammed, temperature or voltage condition, data error, memory
error, printer online or offline, printer in sleep mode, printer door
open, any power reset, historical data on the print head, print job
failed, or print job completed, among others,

[0113]In another embodiment of the invention, the real-time printer
activities reported by a GVP coupled to a PCS may include a date/time
stamp, GVP unique ID, among others.

[0114]In another embodiment of the invention, data collected during the
real-time monitoring of printer activity of one or multiple GVPs and
reported to a PCS by a GVP may be used in combination with other data for
reporting purposes whereby the PCS may, for example, use a date/time
stamp associated with template data in combination with procedures to
determine if the template in a GVP matches template data in the PCS. If
the template data does not match, the PCS sending the appropriate
template data to the GVP.

[0115]In another embodiment of the invention, the PCS transmits to one or
a plurality of GVPs unsolicited data, the unsolicited data may include
data related to promotional coupons such as template to use, a new
template definition, and any static or variable data to use in producing
coupons (disclosed below), among others.

[0116]In another embodiment of the invention, the PCS transmits to one or
a plurality of GVPs unsolicited data, the unsolicited data may include
player game activity as a Player Session Packet ("PSP"), wherein the PSP
may contain data that may indicate how much a player bet on a particular
game, amount won or lost, amount of win, amount of money deposited into a
game machine, if a player is cashing out, among others, the PSP may
include trigger metrics and/or control parameters as disclosed below.

[0117]In another embodiment of the invention, a GVP receives from the PCS
unsolicited data, the unsolicited data may include that previously
disclosed such as a PSP, the GVP in turn processing the PSP to determine
if a coupon trigger was met in order to generate a promotional coupon.

[0118]In another embodiment of the invention, the PSP may or may not
include player identification information from a player tracking system.

[0119]In another embodiment of the invention, the PCS includes a coupon
trigger database which may contain various play metrics that may cause
the PCS to request a GVP to produce a promotional coupon when satisfied,
the metrics including the following among others and herein referred to
as "Coupon Trigger Metrics": [0120](o) anytime a cash-out voucher is
printed; [0121](p) a cash-out voucher for greater than, equal to, or less
than a specified amount of money is printed; [0122](q) the amount of
money wagered over a particular time period; [0123](r) the amount of
money won over a particular time period; [0124](s) the amount of money
lost over a particular time period; [0125](t) the duration of play on the
game; [0126](u) anytime a player adds money or credits to a game in an
amount greater than, equal to, or less than a specified amount; [0127](v)
the time when the game is played or cashed-out; [0128](w) the day when a
game is played or cashed-out; [0129](x) the date when a game is played or
cashed-out; [0130](y) the average percentage of the maximum wagering on
the game which the player's activity represents; [0131](z) a random
percentage change that a coupon will be issued when a player cashes out;
[0132](aa) for participating frequent player club members, a player's
birthday; [0133](bb) for participating frequent player club members, the
classification of the player is applied to modify any of the foregoing
metrics.

[0134]In another embodiment of the invention, a GVP receiving from the PCS
the Coupon Trigger Metrics, the GVP analyzing game activity passed to it
by the PCS against the Coupon Trigger Metrics, and the GVP producing a
promotional coupon when the metrics are satisfied.

[0135]In another embodiment of the invention, a PCS including a control
parameters database which may select the type and quantity of promotional
coupons to create and issue related to any of the Coupon Trigger Metrics,
the control parameters operating separately or in combination with each
coupon, the control parameters residing in and is utilized in procedures
either on the PCS or a GVP or combination thereof, the control parameters
including the following among others and herein referred to as "Coupon
Issuance Control Parameters": [0136](e) the total quantity of a coupon
is issued before it is retired; [0137](f) the frequency of issuance of a
coupon, one issued every time a specified number of trigger events
occurs; [0138](g) the frequency of issuance of a coupon based on a random
chance of one in every so many trigger events; [0139](h) an alternative
coupon should a particular coupon fail to print for lack of satisfying
all of its Coupon Trigger Metrics and/or its specified set of control
parameters.

[0140]In another embodiment of the invention, a GVP using procedures,
Coupon Trigger Metrics, and Coupon Issuance Control Parameters to produce
a promotional coupon if metrics and parameters are satisfied.

[0141]In another embodiment of the invention, a PCS using promotional
coupon data and procedures including the ways and means to send
promotional coupon information to one or more coupled GVPs, the
information is static data or variable data. The static data may contain
various fixed portions of the printed indicia of promotional coupons
whereby a GVP may use in the future creation of a promotional coupon, the
static data may include one or a plurality of Coupon Trigger Metrics, one
or a plurality of Coupon Issuance Control Parameters, a unique
promotional campaign identifier, an authorization code, among others, the
static data stored in the memory coupled to a GVP. The variable data may
contain portions of printed indicia of promotional coupons or a unique
promotional campaign identifier, an authorization code, among others, the
variable data matched by a GVP to any variable data stored in the GVP's
memory, the GVP combining portions of static and variable data to print a
promotional coupon.

[0142]In another embodiment of the invention, a GVP transmitting an
authorization code to a PCS, wherein the authorization code may be
verified within the PCS, for example, to track promotional coupon
redemption or retire a promotional coupon from issuance.

[0143]In another embodiment of the invention, the communications between
the PCS and GVP is encrypted by a methodology known to the PCS and GVP,
and the PCS and GVP processing incoming and outgoing communications
according to the encryption method.

[0144]In another embodiment of the invention, the PCS is a player tracking
system and its associated network.

[0145]In another embodiment of the invention, the PCS is the player
tracking system and its associated network receiving gaming machine
activity data based on the PCS's monitoring of the gaming machine, the
PCS utilizing its link table in memory (disclosed above) to determine the
unique network address of the GVP installed in the gaming machine, and
the PCS sending information extracted from the activity data to the GVP
installed in the gaming machine.

[0146]In another embodiment of the invention, the PCS is the player
tracking system and its associated network receiving gaming machine
activity data based on the PCS's monitoring of the gaming machine, the
PCS processing the data according to procedures contained in its memory,
the PCS determining if a promotional award has been triggered by the
player activity, the PCS determining the type of award from a database in
its memory, the PCS operating a procedure to create a validation
identifier for the promotional coupon, the PCS signaling the GVP with
data including the validation identifier and authorization to print the
promotional coupon, the GVP printing such coupon, and the GVP signaling
the PCS as to the completion of failure of its print job.

[0147]FIG. 2 is an illustration of an automatic method by which the PCS
can pair a GVP's IP address to a gaming machine identifier in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In a PCS and its
GVP network, there may be a plurality of GVPs, each with its own IP
address, but it may be unknown to the PCS in which gaming machine a given
GVP is installed. In FIG. 2, a cash-out voucher system controller 200
issues a unique special non-print ticket 202, herein termed a token, to a
PCS 100 in addition to sending the token to each of the gaming machines,
such as gaming machine 204, attached to the network. The gaming machine
receives the token at a slot machine interface board 203 and passes the
token to a gaming machine controller 205. The gaming machine controller
passes the token to an associated GVP 206 which recognizes the token as
the special non-print ticket token. The GVP, recognizing the token,
passes the token to the PCS along with the GVP's network or IP address
and logs that information into an internal memory or database. The PCS
using procedures 212 can then form a database 212 linking GVP IP
addresses to the gaming machine into which each GVP is installed. Once
this relationship has been established, player activity data from a
particular gaming machine can then be passed to the GVP installed in that
same gaming machine.

[0148]In another embodiment of the invention, a multiplexer port or
channel is used instead of two dedicated ports. In this variation,
signaling related to promotional coupons and real-time printer activity
monitoring is processed using a multiplexer port.

[0149]In another embodiment of the invention, the plurality of GVPs
coupled to the PCS by a promotional network dedicated to the PCS-GVP
connection, each GVP individually signaled by the PCS by means of a
unique address.

[0150]In another embodiment of the invention, the plurality of GVP's
coupled to the PCS by a promotional network dedicated to the PCS-GVP
connection, each GVP is a sub-addressable device with the gaming machine
available to the PCS.

[0151]In another embodiment of the invention, the PCS, is coupled to the
GVP on a dedicated PCS-GVP network, creating a logical link between the
GVP's unique network address and the gaming machine into which the GVP is
installed for the purposes of correlating the GVP's gaming machine
identifier, the link created by the GVP extracting the gaming machine
number from voucher data signaling from the gaming machine controller on
its primary communication port, the GVP signaling the PCS with both its
unique address and the extracted gaming machine number, and the PCS
storing the link in its memory.

[0152]In another embodiment of the invention, the PCS, is coupled to the
GVP on a dedicated PCS-GVP network, creating a logical link between the
GVP's unique network address and the gaming machine into which the GVP is
installed for the purposes of correlating the GVP's gaming machine
identifier, the link created by the GVP reading operator configurable
gaming machine identifier address switches coupled to the GVP's
processor, the GVP signaling the PCS with both its unique address and the
configured gaming machine identifier address, and the PCS storing the
link in its memory.

[0153]In another embodiment of the invention, the PCS, is coupled to the
GVP on a dedicated PCS-GVP network, creating a logical link between the
GVP's unique network address and the gaming machine into which the GVP is
installed for the purposes of correlating the GVP's gaming machine
identifier, the link created by the GVP is signaled as to its gaming
machine identifier address by an operator controlled external device
temporarily coupled to the GVP at the time the GVP is installed in a
gaming machine, the GVP signaling the PCS with both its unique address
and the operator controlled external device supplied gaming machine
address, and the PCS storing the link in its memory.

[0154]In another embodiment of the invention, the GVP is temporarily
coupled to an operator controlled external device at the time the GVP is
installed in a gaming machine, the GVP receiving signaling as to the
gaming machine identifier address of the gaming machine into which it is
installed, and the GVP storing the gaming machine identifier address into
memory coupled to its processor.

[0155]In another embodiment of the invention, the GVP signaling the PCS as
to the gaming machine identifier address in which it is installed upon
boot-up or when requested by the PCS.

[0156]In another embodiment of the invention, the GVP includes a procedure
which, after boot-up, determines if a previously recorded gaming machine
identifier exists in its memory, the identifier serving the purpose of
signaling the GVP into which gaming machine it is installed, the
procedure then signaling the PCS with the identifier.

[0157]In another embodiment of the invention, the GVP's unique network
address is configured by operator configurable address switches coupled
to the GVP's processor.

[0158]In another embodiment of the invention, the GVP's unique network
address is assigned by the PCS, the GVP storing its address in memory for
permanent use until a new address is assigned by the PCS.

[0159]In another embodiment of the invention, the GVP storing the
identification of the gaming machine identification into which it is
installed into memory coupled to the GVP's processor.

[0160]In another embodiment of the invention, the GVP's unique network
address is a fixed value as a function of its hardware.

[0161]In another embodiment of the invention, the GVP includes a procedure
which causes the GVP, after boot-up, to first receive cash-out voucher
signaling from the gaming machine over its primary port, and the GVP then
verifying that the gaming machine identifier is the same as the gaming
machine identifier previously recorded in its memory as to which gaming
machine the GVP is installed.

[0162]In another embodiment of the invention, the PCS broadcasts the time
and date on a periodic basis to a GVP to which it is coupled, the GVP
using the time and date data to synchronize its own internal clock.

[0163]In another embodiment of the invention, the GVP upon receiving
cash-out voucher signaling from the gaming machine over its primary port,
extracting the time and date from the data and using the time and date
information to synchronize its internal clock.

[0164]FIG. 3 is an illustration of a PCS 100 connected to other systems
within a casino in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention. As shown in the example, the first connection 302 is to a
point-of-sale system 300 for a property or casino in order to allow
redemption approval when a player goes to cash in or redeem their coupon
at a participating location. The other connection 304 shown is to an
accounting system for the casino. The PCS, upon request, may use
procedures 308 to export a report on all promotional activity, including
coupons issued, redeemed and pending as well as data related to the
real-time monitoring of printer activity, including promotional activity.
This permits the property to perform all accounting reconciliation
providing an audit trail. FIG. 3 is not intended to be all inclusive, and
it is likely that there would be other casino systems to which the PCS
would be connected.

[0165]FIG. 4 is an illustration of the trigger matrix logic and procedures
within a GVP, a PCS, or portions shared between the two, depending on
where data processing of a PSP resides in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention. At the top of the diagram is an
example of five different logical triggers utilized in the printer for
initiating the promotional coupons. The five examples given are: date
400, time 402, frequency of issuing promotion 404, duration of play 406,
and other parameters 408 such as wagering activity, player I.D., player
class, cash-out amount, other special parameters, if a promotional data
is enabled, among other such as amount of money in play, duration of the
current session of play and the like. These triggers are examples of
those previously discussed as "Coupon Trigger Metrics". In the lower part
of the diagram, the coupon database 410 stack is pictured. The stack of
coupons are a plurality of pre-defined coupons, such as coupons 412a to
412n, which can printed anytime the set of trigger conditions to which
they are associated, such as trigger conditions 413a to 413n, are
satisfied. These trigger conditions can operate independently or in
logical combination. The coupon selector logic module 414 shown is tasked
with analyzing trigger information as it comes available and determine
which coupon or coupons should be printed to produce a player coupon 416
issued to a player in response to the information. Additional processing,
not shown, would occur in the PCS where the amount of coupons permitted
in the campaign, an additional randomness of issue could be applied, and
other possible global promotional campaign parameters or others
previously discussed as "Coupon Issuance Control Parameters" would be
checked before print authorization.

[0166]In another embodiment of the invention, the GVP receives player
activity data of the gaming machine in which it is installed from the
PCS, the GVP processes the data according to procedures (disclosed below)
contained in its memory, the GVP determines if a promotional award has
been triggered by the player activity and the type of the award, the GVP
signaling the PCS as to various metrics of the triggered promotional
award, the PCS processes the metrics of the promotional award, the PCS
operates a procedure to create a validation identifier for the
promotional coupon, the PCS signals the GVP with data including the
validation identifier and authorization to print the promotional coupon,
the GVP prints the coupon, and the GVP signals the PCS as to the
completion or failure of its print job. In another embodiment of the
invention, the PCS having received the signaling from the GVP as to the
completion or failure of a promotional award print job (disclosed above),
and the PCS creating a record in its memory as to the issuance of the
promotional coupon.

[0167]In another embodiment of the invention, the PCS requests the GVP to
send status as to the identifier of the promotional campaign static data
file (described above) which resides in the GVP's memory, the PCS
determining if the campaign identifier in the GVP is the version matches
the identifier of the promotional campaign that the PCS is currently
operating, and if not, the PCS sending new promotional campaign static
data to the GVP which matches the promotional campaign which the PCS is
operating.

[0168]In another embodiment of the invention, the communications between
the PCS and GVP is encrypted by a methodology known to the PCS and GVP,
and the PCS and GVP processing incoming and outgoing communications
according to the encryption method.

[0169]In another embodiment of the invention, the PCS containing a record
of promotional coupons issued by the GVPs in its memory, the PCS is
coupled to a point-of-sale system, the PCS receiving signaling from the
point-of-sale system when a coupon is redeemed as to the validation
sequence of the coupon, the PCS checking the validity of the coupon
against its records, the PCS signaling the point-of-sale system as to the
validity of the coupon, and the PCS recording the redemption of the
coupon in its memory.

[0170]FIG. 5 is an illustration of arbitration processing of a GVP in
producing gaming vouchers and promotional coupons in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0171]As illustrated, the process for gaming vouchers begins 500 with the
main communication handler 502. If data, such as a gaming voucher, exists
(504) on a main port of the GVP, the system gets (506) the data from the
main port and sets the printer to busy. If data does not exist on the
main port, the process returns to the main communication handler.

[0172]The process for promotional coupons begins with the promo
communication handler 508. If data, such as a promotional coupon, exists
(510) on a second auxiliary or promo port of the GVP, the system gets
(512) the data from the promo port and sets the printer to busy. If data
does not exist on the promo port, the process returns to the promo
communication handler.

[0173]If the printer is busy using any port, the data from the other port
is queued (514).

[0174]The process continues with the system identifying (515) which data,
gaming voucher data 516 or promotional coupon data 518, was received
first. After identifying the data received first, the system processes
the first data to generate a gaming voucher or promotional coupon, then
returns to process the second data to generate a gaming voucher or
promotional coupon.

[0175]An example of one arbitration scheme would be the GVP always giving
priority to a cash-out voucher print job which comes from the gaming
machine (on the primary port), and then queuing a coupon print job from
the PCS (on the second auxiliary port) behind the voucher. Another
example of an arbitration scheme would be the GVP receiving a coupon
print job on its second auxiliary port, and then holding the coupon for a
period of time awaiting arrival of a cash-out voucher on the primary
port. If the cash-out voucher didn't arrive within a reasonable amount of
time, the coupon could either be printed or canceled by the GVP. In
addition to coupon print data, the GVP would receive certain static
promotional campaign data on its second auxiliary port. The static data
could include graphic icons which are necessary to print on the various
coupons, portions of the coupons which would never change with an award,
and optionally, a set of trigger conditions which would cause the GVP to
trigger a coupon.

[0176]Once a determination is made on which data, voucher or coupon, to
print first, the GVP prints (520) the selected coupon or voucher 522 and
then prints the other coupon or voucher.

[0177]In another embodiment of the invention, a GVP includes the ways and
means to utilize arbitration in the printing of vouchers and promotional
coupons, the GVP coupled to a PCS and a cash-out voucher system, both
systems coupled to each other, wherein the GVP using procedures contained
in its memory and data or signaling from both or either system generates
vouchers without delay and prior to any coupon is generated.

[0178]FIG. 6 is an illustration depicting the real-time monitoring of
printer activities by a PCS in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of
the present invention.

[0179]In this simplified example, the process begins (600) with the PCS
requesting (602) activity from a GVP. After the PCS signals one or
multiple GVPs for the printer activity, each GVP responds to the
signaling by providing (604) the requested activity. The PCS may then log
(606) each activity in its internal memory or database, process, or
forward that log to another host system such as an accounting system. The
process may continue (608) if there are additional requests for activity
from the PCS.

[0180]If no activity is received, the PCS may also log that information in
its internal memory or database, or forward that log to another host
system such as an accounting system.

[0181]An example of the printer activities requested from the PCS and
reported by a GVP may include any promotional coupon activity performed
by the GVP including any "Coupon Trigger Metrics", any "Coupon Issuance
Control Parameter" both of which are disclosed below, number of coupons
printed, number of times a template was used to produce a coupon, among
others.

[0182]Another example of the printer activities requested from the PCS and
reported by a GVP may include any voucher activity performed by the GVP
including a cash-out request by a player, number of vouchers printed, and
number of times a template was used to produce a voucher, among others.

[0183]Another example of the printer activities requested from the PCS and
reported by a GVP may include other printer activity such as any printing
error, if the printer is busy, if the is paper out; low; or jammed, an
abnormal temperature or voltage condition, a data error, a memory error,
whether the printer is online or offline, if the printer is in sleep
mode, if the printer door is open, any power resets, historical data on a
print head, if a print job failed, or if a print job completed, among
others. Additionally, the real-time printer activities may include a
date/time stamp or a GVP unique ID, among others.

[0184]FIG. 7 is a diagram of a GVP and components thereof in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. A component or
plurality of components shown in FIG. 7 are optional.

[0185]A GVP 700 includes a processor 702, operatively coupled via a system
bus 704 to a memory 706. The processor is further operatively coupled via
the system bus to a storage device 708. Program instructions and data 710
implementing the procedures as described herein for a GVP are stored in
the storage device until the processor retrieves the program instructions
and stores them in the memory. The processor then executes the program
instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the features of the
GVP as described herein.

[0186]The processor is further coupled via the system bus to a
communication device controller 718 that is coupled to one or more
communication ports 720. The GVP uses the communication device controller
and communication ports to transmit and receive control signals from
external hosts and devices as described herein.

[0187]The processor is further coupled via the system bus to a printer
head controller 722 that is coupled to a printer head 716. The GVP uses
the printer head to print vouchers and coupons as described herein.

[0188]Although the GVP has been described in terms of a computing system
having a processor, memory and instructions executed by the processor, it
is to be understood that the foregoing has been presented by way of
example and not of limitation. It is to be understood that a GVP may also
be implemented using hardwired circuitry or the like, programmable
components or the like, or any combination thereof.

[0189]FIG. 8 is a diagram of a PCC and components thereof in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. A component or
plurality of components shown in FIG. 8 are optional.

[0190]A PCS 800 includes a processor 802, operatively coupled via a system
bus 804 to a memory 806. The processor is further operatively coupled via
the system bus to a storage device 808. Program instructions and data 810
implementing the procedures as described herein for a PCS are stored in
the storage device until the processor retrieves the program instructions
and stores them in the memory. The processor then executes the program
instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the features of the
PCS as described herein.

[0191]The processor is further coupled via the system bus to a
communication device controller 818 that is coupled to one or more
communication ports 820. The GVP uses the communication device controller
and communication ports to transmit and receive control signals from
external hosts and devices as described herein.

[0192]Although the PCS has been described in terms of a computing system
having a processor, memory and instructions executed by the processor, it
is to be understood that the foregoing has been presented by way of
example and not of limitation. It is to be understood that a PCS may also
be implemented using hardwired circuitry or the like, programmable
components or the like, or any combination thereof.

[0193]Although the invention has been described in certain specific
embodiments, many additional modifications and variations would be
apparent to those skilled in the art. It is therefore to be understood
that this invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically
described. Thus, the present embodiments of the invention should be
considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope
of the invention to be determined by any claims supportable by this
application and the claims' equivalents rather than the foregoing
description.